Position Type: On-Call / Casual
Location: Fernwood Neighbourhood House, Victoria, BC (In-person, on-site)
Management Status: Non-Manager
Reports To: Manager, and Coordinator
Direct Reports: None
About Fernwood Neighbourhood House
Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH) is a vibrant, multi-service organization working on the unceded ləkʔəŋən (Lekwungen) lands in Victoria, BC. We are committed to building an inclusive, connected, and resilient community by providing programs and services that support children, families, and the broader community.
Our work is grounded in equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming spaces where children and families feel supported, valued, and connected.
Position Summary
The Inclusion Support Worker provides individualized support to children in our childcare programs to promote inclusion, participation, and positive relationships. This role focuses on supporting children’s social-emotional development, helping children participate in daily activities, and working collaboratively with families, childcare staff, and community professionals.
This position provides 1:3 inclusion support for up to three children and works closely with the leadership team to support care plans, behaviour strategies, and inclusive programming.
The Inclusion Support Worker may also provide guidance and support to other staff on strategies to promote successful inclusion and is often the first point of contact for parent/guardian check-ins, questions, and concerns.
This position is contingent on funding provided through VIHA’s Supportive Child Development Program.
The current hourly wage for this position is $23.75/hour, regardless of qualifications, until applicable funding is confirmed and the Collective Agreement wage implementation process is completed.
Upon implementation of the Collective Agreement and confirmation/receipt of applicable funding, the wage rate will be based on the employee’s qualifications:
- Responsible Adult / ECEA License ($24.52/hour probationary wage; $28.85/hour regular wage)
- Educational Assistant Training ($26.38/hour probationary wage; $31.04/hour regular wage)
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE) License ($26.83/hour probationary wage; $31.57/hour regular wage)
Eligible employees will receive retroactive wage adjustments as outlined in the Collective Agreement, subject to confirmation and receipt of applicable funding. Retroactive adjustments will be applied to the employee’s eligible start date of employment.
The timing of wage changes will be implemented in accordance with the Collective Agreement implementation schedule.
Key Responsibilities
Inclusion Support & Child Development
- Provide individualized support to children to promote participation, belonging, and inclusion in daily childcare activities.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with children using responsive and respectful approaches.
- Support children in developing social skills, emotional regulation, and positive peer relationships.
- Help children identify and express emotions and communicate their needs.
- Use positive behaviour guidance strategies to support children’s development.
- Assist in designing supportive, emergent, and inclusive environments.
- Support individualized care and safety plans in collaboration with program leads, families, and professionals.
- Provide guidance to other staff to support consistent implementation of inclusion strategies.
- Follow recommendations and direction from VIHA Supportive Child Development Consultants.
Health, Safety & Environment
- Support a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment that meets childcare licensing requirements.
- Follow procedures related to medication administration, health records, and incident reporting.
- Monitor children’s needs and respond appropriately to physical, emotional, and safety concerns.
- Report any concerns related to child safety, abuse, or neglect according to organizational procedures and licensing requirements.
- Ensure children are released only to authorized individuals.
- Assist with cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining program spaces.
Family & Community Engagement
- Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
- Serve as a point of contact for parent and guardian check-ins, questions, and concerns.
- Communicate information about children’s participation, progress, and daily experiences.
- Work collaboratively with families, childcare staff, and community partners.
Operational Responsibilities
- Attend staff meetings and participate in team discussions.
- Maintain regular attendance and communicate absences promptly.
- Work collaboratively in shared and busy environments.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- Responsible Adult certification in British Columbia.
- Current First Aid certification.
- Minimum one year of experience working with children ages 5–11, including children with autism, ADHD, and other support needs.
- Ability to build positive relationships and communicate effectively with children, families, and coworkers.
- Knowledge of positive behaviour support strategies.
- Commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Assets:
- Valid BC Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certificate.
- Valid BC Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate.
- Educational Assistant training.
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training.
- Experience supporting children with diverse abilities and inclusion needs.
- Familiarity with Community Care and Assisted Living Act and Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Working Conditions
- Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand, crouch, bend, and occasionally run during daily activities.
- Ability to work in a busy and sometimes loud childcare environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively in shared spaces.
- May support children and families experiencing challenges and must follow organizational safety procedures.
- Ability to work respectfully with diverse children, families, and community members.
Benefits
- Vacation entitlement as outlined in the Collective Agreement
- Paid sick leave
All benefits are subject to funding.
Unionized Position
Fernwood Neighbourhood House is a unionized workplace, and this position is part of the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) bargaining unit.
Wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the Collective Agreement. Please note that certain wage increases may be subject to the availability of funding. Where applicable and funding is received, eligible employees may receive retroactive wage adjustments in accordance with the Collective Agreement and funding requirements.
Union dues will be deducted from employees' pay in accordance with the Collective Agreement and BCGEU policies..
Fernwood Neighbourhood House is committed to equitable hiring practices and values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of structural inequity, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2IA+ individuals, and those living with disabilities
Pay: $23.75 per hour
Work Location: In person
